I am looking for advise on climbing hills approx 6% - 10% grade. I currently have a 99 branded bike carbon with full 105 5700. (53/39 Crank)

I am just under 6ft and weigh 107kg. My average speed on the flat say over 40ks is about 22kph - 25kph. My goel is to be able to ride with a group on Sat Mornings where the pace is 25kph to 28kph

I normally go up hill in either the biggest cog on the rear or the second biggest cog on the rear sitting down. I have tried standing up but can only do it for a very short time. I would say alot has do do with my weight and overall fitness.

Any advise on changing bike componants or training tips would be great

Yep, try a 28/27 cassette. Get it cheap with a lockring tool. Go from there.

Also force yourself to stand and climb at the base of the hill until you tire, then sit down, drop down the gears and maintain your cadence as best possible. Purely for the purpose of forcing yourself to get out of the saddle more often. After a few weeks, go back to your natural style.

Not sure if you are the same but when I first started riding, standing and climbing = full out riding and I'd blow myself up.

Now I have learnt (good or bad) to just pick a rhythm I can maintain while standing. This allows me to change my position and use different muscle groups over a longer hill ... and yes I am slower when standing.

Also 39/23(or25) combo on a 6 to 10% hill is not that bad. Very bloody good if its 10% (compared to me at least).

At that weight / fitness ( going off your average speed ) on a steep hill you will struggle... A 28 will help over a 25... A 34 will help a lot more over a 39. Depends on how many hills you ride if it is worth it. Standing will tire you quicker as you are supporting your body weight as well as climbing. The main thing is to climb comfortably with out having to grind too much.

auswi, the compact chainset is where you are at fitness wise, especially for 6-10% climbs. I'd also suggest you get a cheapie 11-28 cassette. Both of these are cheaper than hurting your heart, or stalling on a hill with passing traffic, due to blowing up on too high a gear.

If you are older than 30, and been sedentary for some time, in addition to being a lot overweight, don't let anyone talk you out of 50/34 on the front, and 11-28 on the rear.

I'd also suggest you go see a dietitian, seriously..... Getting that weight will have a myriad of health benefits in addition to improving your climbing times more than any other factor.

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